The 2025 Orchestra Day will be an opportunity for students to experience what it is like to be part of a large-group ensemble under a conductor. This year’s guest conductor is Dr. Mark Laycock, current Director Of Orchestras & Coordinator Of Strings at Wichita State University. Both Vance Music students and staff members will serve as ensemble members.

All music is selected and arranged by Vance Music staff members to suit current student levels. Students may not perform on every song, depending on their level and instrument. Unlike the Christmas recital, no rehearsals aside from Orchestra Day are required. (Parents & students are welcome to coordinate rehearsals of their own for fun; many students enjoy and are motivated by getting together with their friends to rehearse.)

At the 2025 Orchestra Day, students will rehearse under the direction of Dr. Mark Laycock from 1:15pm to 4:45pm at Tyler Road Baptist Church. There will be a break during the rehearsal, as well as a question-and-answer session with the conductor. At 6:45pm, students will return to the church to prepare for the concert, which will start at 7:00pm. The concert should end no later than 8:00pm.

Photo Credit: Thuy Aston

Discounts

We would love to have all students interested participate, so we are offering multiple discounts!

• Students may receive $5 off their 2025 Orchestra Day fee by wearing a Vance Music T-shirt. If you would like a Vance Music t-shirt, please email Marissa (marissa@vancemusic.com) to see if your size is currently in stock.
• Students may replace their 2025 Orchestra Day fee by selling concert tickets. Use the form above to mark your interest in this option. You will receive a Ticket Order Form and tickets to sell. Students must sell a minimum of 10 full-price tickets in order to replace their Orchestra Day fee. All payments and remaining tickets must be turned in by Tuesday, July 22nd.
• Parents who sign up as volunteers using the form above will receive a free ticket to the 2025 Orchestra concert.

If you are performing in orchestra day this year, we suggest keeping an eye on the website for an updated post about the 2025 Orchestra Day. It will cover many topics and contain resources to help you prepare for the event including:

• 10 rules for orchestras
• Working with a conductor
• Tentative music order for the concert
• Sheet music organized by student sections
• Practice tracks
• Location
• Arrival time
• Keyboard Instructions
• Volunteer Instructions
• What to wear
• What to bring
• Ticket information
• T-shirt information

Remember, you can earn free lessons by referring students to Vance Music! Inviting your friends, teachers, and colleagues to come to Vance Music concerts and recitals is a great way to start these conversations. This event is an experience only available at the studio once a year, so we hope to see lots of new faces at the concert to see what you are all about!

Photo Credit: Thuy Aston